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Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. The Labrador Retriever is possibly the most beloved dog around, and these active, friendly pups are one of the most popular family dogs. Get ready to find your new best friend! The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Georgia 1. All puppies sold are on Limited AKC registration and are available at 8 weeks of age with up-to-date vaccinations and worming. Parent dogs are also screened for PRA and exercise induced collapse. Before they ever reach your home, puppies will have been introduced to water, whistles, birds, retrieving, and simulated gunfire. They come microchipped and with current vaccinations and worming, plus will have had their dew claws removed. Your puppy will be sent to its new home with a written warranty, along with a starter kit, including food samples and care instructions. They use the Puppy Culture program, an approach based on science, for training and socialization. They do not breed champagne, silver, or charcoal Labradors. They also do not sell on a first come, first serve basis but instead are dedicated to getting to know potential owners through a two-step process. Puppies are sold on Limited Registration, and there is usually a 6—12 month wait for one. They have a stringent screening process to find the best homes and owners for their puppies. They comply with AKC rules and regulations and offer yellow, chocolate, and black Labradors. To become one of the top breeders in the Southeast, they routinely bring in show champion lines. Horizon ships to all major airports. They do not allow visits but are active on social media, so you can check out plenty of pictures and reviews from other buyers. Puppies are exposed to people and sound to get them socialized and introduced to crates to make crate training easier for you. Puppies come with Limited Registration and a 2-year genetic health guarantee. Their puppies are family-raised, so are socialized via plenty of playtime with children and adults. Parent dogs come from strong Champion Pedigrees or are Champions of Conformation, plus are given clearances for health before breeding. Puppies come with AKC registration, proper vaccinations, worming, and have their dew claws removed. This breeder also offers a lifetime guarantee up to 10 years if your pet is kept on the same food they were started on. Plus, if you find yourself unable to keep your pet at any time in the future, they can help you place it in a new home. They were so easy to work with and we highly recommend them to anyone looking for a beautiful lab to add to their family! Puppies are screened for genetic and congenital issues and given proper vaccinations, flea and heartworm medication, and intestinal parasite prevention. They typically have puppies available in spring and fall. Related Read:. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Atlanta. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs are better than popping pills or drinking elixers. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. There are quite a few factors that can affect the price of Labrador Retriever for sale in GA, from pedigree and breeder experience to type English or American and color chocolate, silver, yellow, et cetera. Luckily, our MatchMaker process helps us narrow down your breeder choices to those that fit your preferences and your budget. If there are no Labrador Retriever puppies Georgia near me, can you still help me find a puppy? How do you screen Atlanta Georgia Labrador Retriever breeders? Our strict standards cover breeder experience, facilities, animal care, and much more. Head on over to our Breeder Pledge for additional information. We want to give great breeders a chance to shine, and to give families a place where finding a great dog from a loving, ethical breeder is fun, fast and easy. What is a puppy mill like for Labrador Retriever puppies for sale Georgia? At puppy mills, helpless dogs are forced to breed litter upon litter of sick, improperly raised puppies to sell for cheap. Mill dogs are more likely to act out, to develop dangerous genetic diseases, to require expensive veterinary care, and to die young. Are there any Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Georgia right now? All you have to do is answer a few quick questions about your perfect puppy, and our network of vetted, honest businesses and breeders will take care of the rest. MatchMaker involves a brief questionnaire that helps us learn about your puppy preferences. We know how tough it can be to tell if a Labrador Retriever Atlanta breeder is legitimate or not, which is why we help families eliminate the guesswork using our own vetting processes. This event features beautiful bikes and classic cars. Proceeds from this event benefit the Suffolk County United Veterans Project, a local charity that provides housing and support services for homeless and at-risk Veterans. It is one of the largest motorcycle parties in the region. A motorcycle poker run requires participants to sign up for the event and pay a fee to participate. The route is designed so that participants must reach different checkpoints before time runs out. Each checkpoint has a number of playing cards, and riders work to accumulate enough cards to create a winning poker hand. These organizations will be able to help you promote the event and recruit participants. The route should include a start and finish point, with three or more stops between them. 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Sweetly Retired Stormie G. We take so much pride in our doodles. They are the funniest, smartest, cutest, little guys, so much personality. Bred for their wonderful temperament, intuitive nature and overall character; they are non-shedding and don't carry doggie odors. They undergo temperament testing and a host of socialization opportunities are provided as grands come and go, neighbors drop by for cuddles, kitchen noises, loud televisions, children running about, birds singing and dogs barking; extra cuddles, visits by the other doodle family members and on and on. All of our dogs live here in the house with us. Guardian puppies live with their own loving families but visit often. Mama doodles are whelped here and baby doodles are appropriately exposed to a busy family lifestyle. All of our doodles receive the best in health care, as puppies themselves, before breeding, during and after, because we quite simply just love them to pieces and they deserve it. They have a team of vets, health testing, repoduction management, attend NC State Therinology clinic for ultrasounds, progesterone testing, cardiac testing, etc. So if you see a tear drop or two as you close the door, know that it is the love that has been there before. Sweet puppy of mine you'll always be, heartbreak it is to say goodbye to thee, know that my prayers are with you and your new family. Blessings sweet puppy.We wanted a well-bred puppy, that would be a healthy, happy, member of our family. Fisher has exceeded our expectations.Not only did she ensure an excellent pedigree, she took the utmost care of the pups, after they were born. Thanks to her socialization, the beginning of crate and house training, and tons of love, Fisher acclimated to our home and family right away. We got a steady stream of videos and pictures, as well as results from temperament testing. We knew him before we ever brought him home and she even had us send items that had our scent, to familiarize him with us! Communication was open and encouraged. The whole process was something we'll always treasure. Labradoodles are great dogs and Lake Blue is a great breeder, worthy of these pups. Willa's litter Stormie's litter. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Ready to go home beginning of October ! Call Barbara for more info! My parents have done an amazing job raising these puppies and they also have both parents on site. Our Doodles are exceptionally intuitive, loving with calm temperaments! Our Dreamydoodle puppies have been specifically bred to be family dogs. Not hunting, herding or guard dogs but they can be trained to do all of the above if necessary. Our Dreamydoodles are easily trained and very eagar to please. All Dog breeds are developed for very different and specific reasons with varying degrees of success. Most dog breeds have been bred to accomplish a job. A Doodles job is to want to be with you and to make you happy, to play with the kids and to let them pull on their ears without wanting to bite them and they are known to let kids dress them up in funny outfits. As long as you raise your Dreamydoodle with some discipline and clear boundaries from the start not just praise, praise, praise… then you should end up with an amazing adult dog and this is really regardless of your previous dog training experience. Youtube has tons of free videos on puppy training!! My favorite channel is McCann Dog Training!! Dreamydoodle puppies are unique-looking, intelligent, intuitive, sweet and easy-to-train! If you want a Great puppy…. Contact Us Today! Just call me! Parents are on site! We are keeping Tom. My husband fell in love with him. Thar tends to happen after bottle feeding them every two hours for a month. Our Flight Nannies are independent contractors and reasonably priced which has made it more challenging for me to consider using cargo shipping anymore. One of our Dreamydoodle Families! We have a home. We are a Family. The fleece coat types are great for families with moderate to severe allergies. The fleece coat is also extremely silky, soft, and great for cuddling! The wavy and curly fleece coat types both grows in length away from the skin unlike wool which is made up of much tighter curls. This is a Medium coat and requires a moderate amount of brushing to prevent matting. Doodles have one of the more complex coat types to maintain, and most will require a professional groomer every weeks, depending how long you want to keep them. Grooming a Doodle is not an option unless you become a groomer yourself. I recommend combing your Doodle weekly in between your grooming appointments to avoid mats and do not expect your Groomer to attempt to brush out your Doodles mats because most will not. Comb out those hidden mats! All you need to do is spend mins a week using a simple metal toothcomb or a good Slicker brush to stay on top of mats. A Dreamydoodle Puppy! Please be prepared to take your puppy home the day you come visit us! Very few have ever left empty-handed! Contact Barbara at for more info! Need an Emotional Support or a Service Dog? Our Dreamydoodle bloodlines have been specifically bred for several generations to be the perfect candidates for Therapy and Service work. Our dogs are not only great for emotional support or service work, but they can also work double time as an exceptionally sweet family member too!! Are you looking for an excellent dog for your kids? We got you! Our Australian Labradoodles LOVE kids and are known for peacefully co-existing with other dogs and animals of all sizes, no problem! I believe most of our Doodles thrive when they live with another dog or a cat! Even Cats! Loving More than one Dreamydoodle! Many families have returned to get their second or third Dreamydoodle puppy; when it comes to Dreamydoodles it seems the more, the better and happier your dogs become! The families with multiple Dreamydoodles who post picture updates on our Facebook Family group never fail to lift my heart! Dreamydoodles are always happiest together!! Our Standard Size Doodles are 21 to 24 in tall for a male and 21 to 23 in tall for a female; both can range in weight from 45 to 65 lbs. Our Medium Size Doodles aka Moyens are 18 to 20 inches tall for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. Our Mini Size Doodles are 13 to 17 inches tall and range between 20 and 30 lbs. So many fun activities to choose from! Pretty cool! Many of our Dreamydoodles have also passed The AKC Canine Good Citizen test , which tests for ten specific skills, and passing is meant to be difficult for both dogs and owners. To pass, they must be able to do all ten steps successfully, for example, Sitting Politely For Petting, Greeting a stranger, Reaction To Another Dog, Welcoming being groomed and brushed, Allowing paws and ears to be handled, and maybe the most dreaded the Supervised Separation! The Labradoodle is a cross between two purebred dogs, the Labrador Retriever and Poodle. The F1 generation Labradoodle can grow quite large and, unfortunately, most likely to shed. Then so on and so forth; each Breeder is essentially developing their unique version of the Labradoodle. Every Labradoodle bloodline is a unique creation with varying amounts of genetics from each family member in their pedigree, just like us humans. Even purebred dogs were initially developed using several different breeds to accomplish the goals of their breeders, for example, goals to develop a dog to use for hunting, swimming, or a non-shedding dog that has all these qualities — like the Labradoodle! Eventually, these purebred breeders became satisfied with the dog they created and they started breeding like with like instead of one with different, and Labradoodle breeders do this as well. How did the Wolf became a Chihuahua? Mixing different breeds for many generations. A Mini Labradoodle is small to a medium-sized hybrid dog that is created by breeding a Labrador Retriever with a Miniature Poodle. Mini Labradoodles are known for being intelligent, social, and affectionate dogs that are well-suited to a variety of lifestyles. They are often good with children and other pets and make great companion dogs. Like other hybrid dogs, Mini Labradoodles can inherit characteristics from both of their purebred parents, so it is difficult to predict exactly how a Mini Labradoodle will look or behave. They may have a coat that is wavy or curly, and that can be a variety of colors, including black, brown, cream, and red. Overall, Mini Labradoodles are generally friendly and outgoing dogs that are happy to be around people and other animals. They can make great pets for individuals or families who are looking for a loyal, affectionate companion. History of the Mini Labradoodle Breed The Mini Labradoodle is a relatively new hybrid breed that was developed in the s. They were created by breeding a Labrador Retriever with a Miniature Poodle in order to produce a dog with the intelligence and trainability of a Poodle and the friendly, outgoing personality of a Labrador Retriever. The Mini Labradoodle was originally developed as a hypoallergenic companion dog for people with allergies, as Poodles are known for producing less dander dead skin cells than many other breeds of dogs. Today, Mini Labradoodles are recognized by a number of hybrid dog registries and are popular pets around the world. The specific generation of a Mini Labradoodle refers to the number of purebred grandparents the dog has. F1B Mini Labradoodles are generally more hypoallergenic than F1 Mini Labradoodles, as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics. Coat Colors of Mini Labradoodle Dogs The coat color of a Mini Labradoodle can vary widely, as they can inherit genes for coat color from both of their purebred parents. Mini Labradoodles can have a coat that is wavy or curly, and can be a variety of colors, including black, brown, cream, and red. Some common coat colors for Mini Labradoodles include: Black: Mini Labradoodles with a black coat may have a solid black coat or may have black hair mixed with white or other colors. Brown: Mini Labradoodles with a brown coat may have a solid brown coat or may have brown hair mixed with white or other colors. Cream: Mini Labradoodles with a cream coat may have a solid cream-colored coat or may have cream-colored hair mixed with white or other colors. Red: Mini Labradoodles with a red coat may have a solid red coat or may have red hair mixed with white or other colors. What kind of Coat do Mini Labradoodles have? Mini Labradoodles typically have a soft, wavy, or curly coat that is low- to non-shedding. They may inherit their coat type from either their Labrador Retriever parent or their Miniature Poodle parent, and their coat can vary widely in terms of texture, length, and thickness. Are Mini Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Mini Labradoodles are generally considered to be a low-shedding breed, which makes them a good choice for people who are looking for a hypoallergenic dog. The Miniature Poodle, which is one of the parent breeds of the Mini Labradoodle, is often considered to be hypoallergenic, as they produce less dander dead skin cells than many other breeds of dogs. However, even Poodles can cause allergic reactions in some people, and Mini Labradoodles may inherit some of the allergens present in their Labrador Retriever parent. Suppose you are allergic to dogs and are considering getting a Mini Labradoodle. You should also be prepared to regularly groom and clean your Mini Labradoodle to help minimize allergens in your home. What kind of Temperaments do Mini Labradoodles have? Mini Labradoodles are generally intelligent, social, and affectionate dogs that are well-suited to various lifestyles. Like all breeds, Mini Labradoodles can vary in temperament, and individual dogs may exhibit different personality traits. However, Mini Labradoodles are generally friendly and outgoing dogs that are happy to be around people and other animals. They are often eager to please and easily trainable, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. Mini Labradoodles are generally energetic and active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They may enjoy activities such as walking, jogging, and playing fetch and participate in obedience or agility classes. By providing your Mini Labradoodle with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training, you can help to ensure that they are well-behaved and well-adjusted pets. Care for your Mini Labradoodle There are several main things that you should consider when caring for your Mini Labradoodle to help ensure that they are healthy and happy. Here are some tips for managing your Mini Labradoodle: Provide regular exercise: Mini Labradoodles are active, energetic dogs that require regular movement to stay healthy and happy. Plan to take your Mini Labradoodle for walks or runs on a daily basis, and consider engaging them in activities such as fetch, obedience training, or agility classes to help them get the exercise they need. Consult with your personal veterinarian or a professional nutritionist to help determine the best diet for your Mini Labradoodle. Brush their teeth regularly: Mini Labradoodles require regular dental care to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Brush their teeth at least twice a week with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for dogs, and consider using dental treats or chews to help keep their teeth clean. Grooming: Mini Labradoodles require regular grooming to keep their coat looking their best. Brush and comb their coat weekly to prevent tangles, and consider having them trimmed or shaped by a groomer every few months. By following these care guidelines and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help to ensure that your Mini Labradoodle stays healthy and happy. How often do Mini Labradoodles need to be Groomed? The frequency of grooming required for a Mini Labradoodle will depend on their coat type, length, and thickness, as well as on the specific grooming needs of the individual dog. In general, Mini Labradoodles should be brushed and combed at least weekly to prevent tangles and to keep their coat looking their best. If your Mini Labradoodle has a long, thick, or curly coat, it may require more frequent grooming, such as daily brushing and combing, to prevent tangles and mats. They may also need to be trimmed or shaped by a groomer every few months to maintain their desired coat length and shape. If your Mini Labradoodle has a short, wavy coat, it may need less grooming, and weekly brushing and combing may be sufficient. They may only need to be trimmed or shaped by a groomer every few months or as needed. Exercising your Mini Labradoodle! Exercise is an integral part of caring for your Mini Labradoodle and is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Mini Labradoodles are energetic, active dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here are some tips for exercising your Mini Labradoodle: Take them for walks or runs: Mini Labradoodles enjoy outside and walking and running. Plan to take your Mini Labradoodle for walks or runs daily, and vary the route and pace to keep things interesting for them. Play fetch: Mini Labradoodles generally enjoy playing fetch, and this is a great way to get them moving and provide them with mental stimulation. Use a ball, Frisbee, or other appropriate toys, and make sure to praise and reward your Mini Labradoodle when they bring the toy back to you. Engage in obedience or agility training: Mini Labradoodles are intelligent, trainable dogs that enjoy learning new things. Consider enrolling them in obedience or agility training classes to provide mental and physical exercise and help them learn new skills. Provide mental stimulation: In addition to physical exercise, Mini Labradoodles also require mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Provide your Mini Labradoodle with puzzle toys, food-dispensing toys, or other interactive toys to help keep their minds active. By providing your Mini Labradoodle with regular exercise and mental stimulation, you can help to ensure that they are healthy and well-adjusted pets. Mini Labradoodle Training! Mini Labradoodles are intelligent, trainable dogs that are generally easy to train. Miniature Labradoodles are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as praising and rewarding good behavior. Use positive reinforcement: Mini Labradoodles respond well to positive reinforcement, so be sure to praise and reward your dog when they do something good. Avoid punishment or negative reinforcement, as this can damage your relationship with your Mini Labradoodle and may make training more difficult. Aim for minute sessions, and stop the session when your Mini Labradoodle starts to lose interest or becomes distracted. This will help your Mini Labradoodle learn more quickly and will make training more effective. By following these tips and working with a professional trainer if needed, you can effectively train your Mini Labradoodle and help them become a well-behaved and well-adjusted pets. Can Mini Labradoodles be Registered? As such, they are not eligible for registration with these organizations. These organizations recognize and register hybrid breeds, including Mini Labradoodles, and may provide pedigrees and other documentation for these dogs. If you are considering getting a Mini Labradoodle, research the available registries and choose one that meets your needs and goals. Remember that registration is not necessary for your Mini Labradoodle to be a beloved and valuable family member. Can Mini Labradoodles be used for therapy dogs? Yes, Mini Labradoodles can potentially be used as therapy dogs. Mini Labradoodles are generally friendly, social, and affectionate dogs that are well-suited to being around people, and their small size and calm demeanor may make them well-suited for therapy work. To be used as a therapy dog, a Mini Labradoodle must have a calm and gentle disposition, be well-behaved and well-trained, and be comfortable around people of all ages and abilities. They will also need to be healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations. Suppose you are interested in using your Mini Labradoodle as a therapy dog. Do Mini Labradoodles get along with other dogs and pets? Mini Labradoodles are generally social and friendly dogs that usually get along well with other dogs and pets. However, as with any breed, the specific temperament of a Mini Labradoodle dog can vary, and they might or may not get along with other animals in your home. By properly socializing your Mini Labradoodle and teaching them good manners, you can help to ensure that they get along well with other animals and become a well-adjusted member of your household. Is a Mini Labradoodle Puppy a good fit for families with kids? Mini Labradoodle puppies can be a good fit for families with kids, as they are generally friendly, social, and affectionate dogs that are well-suited to various lifestyles. Here are a some important things to consider when deciding whether a Mini Labradoodle puppy is a good fit for your family: Time commitment: Mini Labradoodle puppies require a significant time commitment, as they need regular exercise, training, and socialization to grow into well-adjusted adults. Make sure you devote time and energy to your Mini Labradoodle puppy. Training and socialization: Mini Labradoodle puppies require regular exercise and socialization to become well-behaved and well-adjusted adults. Be prepared to invest your time and effort into training and socializing your Mini Labradoodle puppy to ensure that they grow into a well-mannered and well-adjusted pet. Exercise needs: Mini Labradoodles are energetic, active dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Make sure you have the time and resources to provide your Mini Labradoodle puppy with the necessary training. Cost: Owning a dog can be expensive, and Mini Labradoodle puppies are no exception. Be prepared for the ongoing costs of feeding, grooming, and veterinary care, as well as the initial cost of purchasing a Mini Labradoodle puppy. By carefully considering these factors and being prepared for the responsibilities of owning a dog, you can help to ensure that a Mini Labradoodle puppy is a good fit for your family. Do Mini Labradoodle have a tendency to bark a lot? Like all breeds, Mini Labradoodles may or may not tend to bark a lot. The specific barking behavior of a Mini Labradoodle will depend on their individual temperament, as well as on their environment and the stimuli they are exposed to. Some Mini Labradoodles may be prone to barking more than others, particularly if they are not properly trained and socialized or if they are anxious or stressed. However, with proper training and socialization, most Mini Labradoodles can only learn to bark when necessary and be quiet when commanded. By properly training and socializing your Mini Labradoodle and addressing any barking issues early, you can help to ensure that they are well-behaved and well-adjusted pets. The lifespan of a Mini Labradoodle will depend on a variety of factors, including its size, breed health, and lifestyle. Mini Labradoodles can generally live for around years, although some may live longer or shorter lives depending on their circumstances. This includes feeding them a high-quality diet, providing regular exercise and mental stimulation, and ensuring that they receive regular veterinary care and preventive care measures such as vaccinations and parasite prevention. By providing your Mini Labradoodle with the care they need, you can help to ensure that they are happy and healthy throughout their lifetime and that they remain a valued member of your family for many years to come.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bullador Highlights The Bullador is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever and English Bulldog parents. The main colors of Bulladors are black, brown, white, tan and brindle. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. They usually have short coats, and these pups are not a good choice for allergy sufferers. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week should suffice. Bulladors are prone to weight gain and are active dogs. They should get at least 60 to 90 minutes of brisk-paced walking or hiking. Depending on which parents genes dominate, they could need more or less. Their amiable temperament and size make the Bullador an excellent companion for children of all ages. With their easy going nature, Bulladors also get along well with other pets, especially dogs and cats. Bullador History The Bullador breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Labrador Retrievers and English Bulldogs in the s, likely in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems associated with purebreds and create an active, friendly companion dog. They continued to create Bulladors as demand for the pups climbed. Consider adoption if you decide this is the pup for you. Check your local shelters, look up Bullador rescues, or check with breed specific Labrador Retriever and English Bulldog rescues, as they will often help to re-home mixes. That said, as a mix between Labrador Retriever and English Bulldog parents, you can expect Bulladors to be in the medium to large range. Most weigh in at 50 to 90 pounds and range in height from 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder. However, being such a new crossbreed, they can be smaller or larger than average. Bullador Personality Bulladors can be extremely friendly like their Labrador parent with a hint of reservation from their Bulldog parent. While the Labradors tends to be more active than the English Bulldog, these pups are somewhere in the middle—usually more active than the English Bulldog but slightly less active that the Labrador. These rules are not set in stone, as they are a newer mixed breed. Both Bulldogs and Labradors are fond of kids, and Bulladors fall right in line. If a child is bothering them, they will probably walk away. Although, no matter how much a dog has a pre-disposition, they can be unpredictable. Never leave dogs alone with small children—ever. Bulladors have a prey drive and, if given a big yard to run around in, they may enjoy chasing birds and small critters. Socialization helps ensure that your Bullador puppy grows up to be a well-rounded, outgoing, friendly dog. Bullador Health The Bullador breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and English Bulldog also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain proper care and regular veterinary checkups. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your pup healthy. They should get at least 60 to 90 minutes of brisk paced walking or hiking. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. If your dog has a pushed-in face, like their English Bulldog parent, they will be at a big disadvantage for extreme weather. These dogs have trouble breathing in the extreme cold, and trouble cooling down in extreme heat. One of the toughest jobs caring for any dog is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. If your dog has any folds on their face, make sure to check between the folds for signs of irritation and bacteria. Make sure the skin is clean and dry. You can wipe it down with a damp cloth or consult your vet for proper care. Bullador Feeding An ideal Bullador diet should be formulated for an active, medium-to-large sized breed. Look for a high quality dog food from a pet food retailer to make sure that your dog is getting proper nutrition. Bulladors love food and have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. If their face is pushed-in, like the English Bulldog parent they will have a double disadvantage. If you live in a place where the weather changes all four seasons, they should only be outside long enough to do their business during cold winters and the heat of the summer. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Bullador Children And Other Pets Their amiable temperament and size make the Bullador an excellent companion for children of all ages. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. They may be less sociable toward new dogs. However, once they warm up, they will likely be good friends. Bullador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Bulladors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try English Bulldog or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Structural health problems English Bulldogs and Labrador Retrievers are two beloved dog breeds. Even the most robust Labrador, when crossed with a purebred Bulldog, cannot guarantee a healthy Bulldog Lab mix. Bulldogs vs Labradors These two breeds were created for very different purposes but both have evolved from their original jobs to become beloved canine companions. The Bulldog is a low to medium energy pet, not much of a barker, and good with children and other animals. This sweet natured dog is unfortunately burdened by some significant health problems linked to its distinctive head and body structure. The Labrador Retriever was first developed in Newfoundland, Canada as a working dog for fishermen. The breed then became a valued sporting dog, retrieving waterfowl and other game brought down by hunters. Besides being a popular family pet, the Lab is also used extensively as a service dog for the disabled, and as a working search and rescue dog. When you combine these two dogs, any of these features in any combination can be prominent. But they can take more after one parent than the other when it comes to physical characteristics. The English Bulldog is a thickset, medium sized dog. Adult males are about 50 pounds and females should be around 40 pounds. They are stout dogs, generally inches tall at the withers. Labrador Retriever males range from pounds; females are pounds. Like all cross-breed dogs, an individual Bulldog Lab mix puppy could end up falling anywhere between the small and large ends of the height and weight scale. Generally, their weight can range from around pounds and they can be between inches tall. The average Bullador will have a muscular, sturdy body, large head, and somewhat jowly face. Like overall body size, the head size and shape and droopiness of the face can vary from one dog to another. Labrador Bulldog mix coat The Labrador Retriever has a double coat, with a short top coat and a warm undercoat that sheds seasonally. The Bulldog also sheds, but generally less than the Lab. Expect your Bulldog Lab mix to have a short, dense coat. There are three recognized coat colors for the Lab, all solid: black, yellow, and chocolate. The English Bulldog has a much wider range of coat colors and patterns. Recognized colors are red, white, fawn, and fallow—in any combination. Markings include brindle, piebald, ticked, masks, and tipping. Bullador coat color can be any shade of brown from dark to light, and also black or white. Markings can be brindle, brindle with white, and piebald black or brown with white is common. Keep in mind that your mixed breed dog could have more of an outgoing Lab temperament, more of a placid Bulldog temperament, or a combination of both. For the Bulldog Lab mix, this is especially true if your dog has the famous Labrador energy and enthusiasm. Bulldog and Labrador mix exercise The typical Bulldog will have a much lower energy level than a Lab. Because of their short noses, Bulldogs often have difficulty breathing during exercise in extreme hot or cold weather. Labs are high-spirited and very active dogs. They enjoy lots of interactive play sessions and outdoor activities, including being in and around the water. If your dog favors its Lab ancestors in physical appearance and energy level, expect an active dog that needs regular exercise. Remember that the activity of short nosed dogs should be monitored in very cold or hot weather. The big problem here with a Bulldog Lab mix is you could have a dog with the enthusiasm of the Labrador, but the breathing problems of a Bulldog. Bulldog Lab mix health The most important consideration in the decision to acquire a Bullador is the possible health problems your dog could inherit, especially from the Bulldog side. Common health problems of Labs include centronuclear myopathy a type of muscular dystrophy , exercise induced collapse, hip and elbow dysplasia, and certain heart and eye diseases. Reputable breeders will test for dysplasia and have the results certified and available for your review. In , an important genetic study of the Bulldog was published. Researchers found that the breed has an extreme lack of genetic diversity, due in part to breeders selecting for the desired Bulldog physical traits. Sadly, many of these characteristic traits cause Bulldogs to suffer from significant health problems. The researchers concluded that even with drastic changes to Bulldog breeding practices, such as outcrossing with other breeds, the existing Bulldog genetic stock is so unhealthy that there is little chance of improving the health of future generations. Brachycephaly Short muzzled dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs are brachycephalic, and often suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS. Dogs with BOAS have difficulty breathing, especially during exercise and hot weather. The breed also has a very large tongue and palate, as well as a lower jaw that is pushed forward. All these features combine to produce life-threatening health problems such as sleep apnea, exercise intolerance, gagging, pneumonia, and heatstroke. Brachycephalic syndrome is the leading cause of death in the breed. Chondrodysplasia and hemivertebrae Chondrodysplasia is an inherited skeletal disorder like dwarfism in humans that has been incorporated into short legged breeds like the Bulldog and Dachshund. Dogs with this condition can suffer from a variety of painful problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, luxating patella, and hemivertebrae. It is a congenital deformity that creates the desired curled tail of these breeds, but it also causes serious spinal abnormalities. Skin and dental problems in Bulldogs Bulldogs are prone to chronic skin conditions because of the excessive folds in the skin. Conditions like dermatitis, acne, and folliculitis are common and require regular treatment. Excessive skin folds on the face can also cause eye problems. The undershot jaw of the Bulldog can lead to tooth overcrowding and other dental problems. Bulldogs are more prone to dental health issues than other breeds. Their brachycephaly can make anesthesia risky, an important consideration when a dog needs frequent dental procedures. The average life expectancy of the Bulldog is a depressing six years. And they are not six comfortable years. Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of 12 years, quite a bit longer than a Bulldog. The Bullador usually loves children and can get along fine with other pets. Read on to learn more about these fun dogs and see if they might be right for your family! Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Bullador Puppies Image Credit: Charles Brutlag, Shutterstock Bulladors are a popular choice among pet owners for their playful, affectionate, and loyal nature. These puppies are known for being friendly and sociable, making them great family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them suitable for first-time pet owners. Their short, dense coat is easy to groom and comes in a variety of colors such as black, brown, or brindle. They have a moderate energy level and enjoy playing and going on walks, but they also have a tendency to be more relaxed and laid-back than purebred Labradors. Because they are fairly common, you may also be able to find a Bullador in an animal shelter near you. Adopting an adult dog can give you a better idea of their health and temperament. It can also save a life! They tend to be friendly, sociable, and playful. Both breeds are intelligent, although a Bulldog can be a bit more stubborn. This means training your Bullador may be more challenging than training a Labrador. However, with consistency, it can be done. Bulladors are very loyal to their families. They are also companion dogs that like to be near you all the time. They do not do well when left alone for a long time. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Bulladors are excellent family dogs. They are friendly and playful. Like both of their parents, Bulladors grow very fond of their families and like to be around them all the time. They like to fetch, go on long hikes, run with their owners, or do just about any other activity as long as it is with you. While Bulladors are not usually aggressive, they are medium to large-sized dogs so they should always be watched around small children. They are also protective of their families and will not hesitate to protect you if needed. Yes, Bulladors generally get along quite well with other pets. Even if they are a little wary of a new doggy friend at first, they will usually warm up to them after a while and live together without any problems. A post shared by Jennifer Quast gualcomole Things to Know When Owning a Bullador: Bulladors can be wonderful pets if you are willing to give them what they need to be happy and healthy. It is important to do your research before getting any dog and the Bullador is no exception. The following will give you a breakdown of what you need to know before deciding to bring a Bullador into your home. In general, Bulladors need high-quality large or medium-sized formulated dog food. Like both of their parents, Bulladors really like food. If they are not monitored, they will overeat and gain weight which can contribute to a host of health issues. The activity level of your dog will also impact how much and what kind of food they should eat. They like most outdoor activities including running, hiking, fetch, swimming, tug-of-war, and anything else you can engage them in that will stimulate their bodies and minds. Bulladors also like spending time running around and playing in a fenced yard. This is ideal if you have children. Without enough activity, they may become destructive and bored. They will also gain weight quickly if not getting enough exercise. The earlier you start training them, the more successful you will be. They respond very well to consistent training with positive reinforcement. If you are not familiar with dog training, you should consider working with a professional trainer. Their coat is short and they shed a moderate amount. Regular brushing can help with shedding. You should also check their ears at least once each week for signs of infection and brush their teeth regularly. The combination of the two leads to a dog that is healthier than a purebred Bulldog, but still prone to some health concerns that any potential Bullador owner should be aware of. Often these can be treated by careful monitoring of the diet and working with your veterinarian. Eye Conditions — Both Bulldogs and Labradors can develop eye conditions so Bulladors are also prone to them. These can lead to worsening eyesight as your dog ages, or even blindness. It is a painful condition and can prevent your dog from moving around comfortably. This can, in turn, lead to obesity and all the related health problems that come with it. Obesity — Bulladors love eating and if they have other conditions that prevent them from being active, they will put on weight quickly. Obesity can lead to heart disease, cancer, and other debilitating health conditions. This can be fatal if not recognized and treated right away. Both English Bulldogs and Labradors can be prone to bloat. This can lead to serious breathing problems. Male vs Female There are no noticeable differences in size, temperament, or health between male and female Bulladors. Usually, they will be two or more colors. Some common color combinations are black and white, tan and white, or tan, brown, and white. They Make Good Watchdogs Even though Labradors tend to be very friendly with everyone they meet, Bulldogs are a little more territorial and wary of strangers. Most Bulladors seem to inherit this characteristic from their Bulldog ancestry. When you combine the two, it can be difficult to know which type will win out or if your puppy will end up somewhere in the middle. Bulldogs tend to be short and muscular while Labs are longer-limbed and usually thinner. A post shared by Otis otis. These dogs are great companions for the family who can keep them active and healthy. A healthy lifestyle is the best way to ward off some of the degenerative health conditions Bulladors are prone to. In return, your Bullador will shower you and your family with affection. This breed will be a loyal, loving, and playful friend for everyone in your household. Looking for more crossbreeds? We have full lists of both Labrador Retriever and Bulldog Mixes! A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Black, brown, white, tan, brindle Suitable for: Temperament: Stubborn, affectionate, protective Since this dog is a mixed of two very different dogs, it can also be difficult to determine what a mixed breed will act or look like. However, the dog can only inherit traits from either the American Bulldog or the Labrador, so we can make broad predictions. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. This is mostly to cover their vaccinations and medical needs, which can be somewhat expensive for these puppies. Adult dogs will likely cost about the same and may be easier to find. Many will be more than happy to call you if a dog that matches your description comes through the door. Getting your pup through a breeder will be more expensive. However, the price will depend on the parentage of the puppies. Typically, they are friendly with people, even to the point of being a little too friendly. Early socialization is important to prevent your canine from becoming over-excited every time that someone new shows up. They are typically affectionate and loveable. However, they are not lap dogs by any means. These canines are quite active in their demeanor. They want to play frequently and tend to hold onto their puppyhood longer than most dogs. They can be a bit protective of their family, which can lead to aggression. Some of these dogs may make good watchdogs, but others will simply be too friendly. They are courageous and loyal. Whether that overcomes their friendly nature depends on the dog. These dogs may be incredibly stubborn, or they may not be stubborn at all. This is the area where you will see the most difference, even between puppies in the same litter. It simply depends on what parent they take after the most. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Whether this dog is a fit for your family depends largely on how active your family is and how much time you have available to commit to a dog. As larger dogs, American Bulldog Labs need quite a bit of training to ensure that they are well-behaved around people. Socialization is also important to ensure that they understand that strangers are not a threat to their humans and to lessen their protectiveness. These dogs are affectionate and playful. However, they do require quite a bit of exercise and time. Because of their large size, these dogs are good for little children as well. Just be sure to supervise, as these canines can get excited and accidentally knock kids over. However, the child is likely not going to hurt these dogs, which prevents the likelihood of pain- or fear-based biting, the most common type of biting in dogs. They can, but their tendency to be territorial can throw a wrench in their relationship with other dogs. Typically, proper socialization will leave you with a canine that at least tolerates the presence of other dogs. Early socialization is important and required. We absolutely recommend puppy classes for these dogs. While American Bulldog Labs are not hunting dogs, they do like to chase things. This can be a problem for pets like cats and even chickens. These dogs are not particularly good with livestock animals. Early socialization can help, but you should still be careful regarding cats and similar animals. They are quite large, which means they eat more compared to some other canines. You should preferably purchase a high-protein food with plenty of meat. Avoid fillers and unnecessary carbs, like high amounts of grains and veggies. You should be careful when feeding these dogs as puppies. We recommend a puppy food that is specifically designed for large breed puppies, as these will contain extra nutrients that these larger dogs need to grow. You should avoid overfeeding puppies, though, even if they seem to act hungry all the time. It is extremely important to stick to the correct feeding guidelines when your dog is little. Outside playtime is extremely important, though you should keep them in a fenced-in area. These dogs can learn a reliable recall sometimes, depending on the level of their stubbornness. These dogs are typically quite good at agility competitions and enjoy playing a variety of games. They are quite intelligent, which you can use to your advantage while exercising them. Teach them games like hide-and-seek to exercise their body and minds at the same time. They are fast at figuring out what you want them to do. Often, these dogs have some level of stubbornness. The rare American Bulldog Lab may have no stubbornness at all and readily do whatever you ask. But most will at least consider whether they want to follow a command or not. Some may be incredibly stubborn and only respond when something is in it for them like food. Due to their high energy levels, these canines are extremely play-driven. You can usually use toys to play with them instead of treats. The same basic training principles apply. Ask them to do a command, and when they do, throw the ball or play tug for a moment. The playtime acts as the reward. This is a great way to wear them out and do training at the same time. They do shed quite a bit, so occasional brushing may be needed to lessen the amount of fur that ends up all over your home. They may need an occasional bath if they get obviously dirty, but this will only be necessary if they roll around in mud or something similar. As for all dogs, regular teeth brushing is recommended. You should also check their ears for built-up debris regularly, though this is less of a problem for this breed. Their nails will need to be trimmed regularly. However, due to their high activity, they may need them cut less often than some other breeds do. They are less likely to inherit genetic conditions because they are drawing on a larger genetic pool. However, they are still prone to a few conditions, mainly due to their size. These dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, as there is a great deal of weight being put on their hip joints. This can be quite serious for some dogs, while others may have no symptoms at all. Proper feeding during the puppy years is extremely important to prevent this. They may also develop conditions like progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and skin allergies. However, these are rarer than they are in other breeds. Male vs Female While males may be a bit larger, these dogs vary so much that it is hard to notice differences between sexes. It is also hard to predict any differences in temperament and behavior. These dogs may be completely trainable or absolutely stubborn. Because of the temperaments of each parent, this mixed breed may either be easy to train or extremely stubborn. There will be large differences between puppies even in the same litter. Likely, none of the puppies will be quite as stubborn as the American Bulldog. However, none will be as trainable as a Labrador either. Most puppies will be somewhere in between, but extremes on either side of the spectrum are possible. Solid colors are rare in this mix. While the Labrador Retriever mostly has solid colors, this mixed breed often does not. This is largely due to the genes from the American Bulldog, which almost guarantees that the puppy will end up with markings of some sort. Of course, solid colors are possible but this is rare. Their exercise needs will vary. The American Bulldog is an active breed that is known for short bursts of energy. The Labrador Retriever is the exact opposite. They have a great deal of endurance that allows them to go for a long time. The mixed-breed puppies can end up anywhere in the middle. They do best in active families that have plenty of time to exercise and train them. They are typically friendly but do require socialization to get along with strangers and other dogs. They may be stubborn or extremely trainable, depending on what traits they inherit from their parents. Either way, they are extremely smart and enjoy playing games like hide-and-seek. Because they inherit a larger pool of genes, they are much healthier than either of their parents. Proper feeding in the early years can go a long way toward preventing hip dysplasia, which they are somewhat prone to due to their larger size. We recommend this breed for active families with plenty of extra time. These dogs get along equally well with younger and older children, so they are good dogs to grow up with. Featured Image Credit: JNix, Shutterstock Written by Kristin Hitchcock Author Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. She currently resides in Tennessee with four dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day! Bulladors tend to be friendly, loving, and playful dogs that make great family pets. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. Bulladors tend to be affectionate and loving dogs with a gentle, sweet nature and an energetic, playful personality. They tend to get along fantastically with children as well as other dogs and other pets. They can have a prey drive. So, you will want to socialize them with smaller pets in the household. Although they are open and friendly, they will usually bark to alert you of people or animals nearby. They can be protective, but are generally more interested in making friends. The Bullador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They do best in homes with fenced yards where they can run. However, if you dedicate the time to giving them the exercise and mental stimulation they need, they can adapt to apartment living. They tend to do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. If they have more of a flat face like their English Bulldog parent, they will be very sensitive to heat and may have difficulty breathing in cold weather. They are devoted to their families, so they do not like to be left alone for long. Because of their prey drive, they can have an urge to chase. As such, you should only let them off-leash in securely fenced areas. Even if they are trained off-leash, they may decide to ignore your recall commands if they get excited and caught up in chasing something. Potential health conditions to be aware of in the Bullador include skin issues, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask the breeder about the genetic and health history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests that have been done. If a Bullador inherits the snub-nosed face of the English Bulldog, they can have difficulty breathing and will be extra sensitive to heat. Bulladors are also one of the breeds at risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can become serious very quickly and can be fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Although a Bullador can pick up on things quickly and can be easy to train, they also tend to be stubborn at times. This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners to handle alone. But, puppy training classes can help. Not only do they reinforce training and strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, but they also often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. The Bullador has a short coat that will shed moderately year-round. Brushing this coat weekly or a few times a week is usually enough to keep your Bullador comfortable and their coat healthy. Bathing is occasional and on an as-needed basis. When you are checking them, ears should be clean, dry, and free of debris. Because dental care for dogs is often overlooked, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal for helping to prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Regular checkups and cleanings at your vet are an essential supplement to your efforts. The Bullador can range from a moderate to high energy level. They generally require a lot of activity to be happy. Daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely be up for more activity as long as you are. They tend to be athletic dogs, so once Bullador puppies finish growing and developing, you can try a bunch of different activities with them. Hiking, swimming, playing frisbee, and more can all be great activities for a Bullador. They will likely also love taking trips to the dog park. A fully-grown Bullador usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Bulladors generally live for years. Bullador Puppies for Sale Thanks for visiting our Bullador page! Currently, we do not have any Bullador puppies available, but we can alert you when new Bullador puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. Labrador Appearance The Labrador is around inches tall and weighs about pounds. His weather-resistant coat comes in three standard color options: Black Yellow Chocolate Remember, a Bulldog Lab mix could inherit any number of the above mentioned physical traits. It will all be left up to chance and genetics! Bulldog Lab Mix Temperament Considering both the Bulldog and the Labrador are friendly, intelligent breeds, it comes as no surprise that their English Bulldog and Labrador crossbreed would be the same. Still, as with all crossbreeds, there are other personality traits that will be left up to chance when it comes to the English Bulldog and Labrador mix. Bulldog Temperament Being brave is a staple for this mighty breed who, despite his stout size, is celebrated for his unique perseverance and apparent imperviousness to pain. However, this breed is also adored for his approachable nature and calm, loving disposition. This is a people-oriented breed who does best when he is with his family. Natural Instincts and Destructive Behaviors A properly socialized Bulldog makes for a wonderful family companion, although he can have territorial instincts if not properly trained at an early age. Due to his courage, the English Bulldog makes a great watchdog, and he also gets along well with family pets he was raised with. However, the Bulldog has been known to show aggression towards strange dogs. Also, keep in mind that the Bulldog loves to chew and if he becomes bored, his chew toy of choice could become your furniture or personal belongings! Experts recommend plenty of chew toys and mental stimulation to keep this breed from becoming destructive. Early socialization will also be key to ensuring the Bulldog is well-rounded into adulthood. A prospective owner should consider obedience training as well beginning in puppyhood. Labrador Temperament The Labrador is a gregarious companion who gets along with just about everyone! With a loyal and intelligent nature, the Lab is eager to please and learns quickly. He is gentle and kind-hearted but he can be slow to mature and behave in a puppy-like way into adulthood. The Lab can also be a chewer, and his intelligence means he will need mental stimulation as well as exercise to keep him from becoming bored and destructive, just like the Bulldog. Early socialization and obedience training should be utilized with the Lab as well. What You Should Expect From a Mix Of course, as previously mentioned, your Bulldog Lab mix could inherit any number of the temperamental traits listed above. So, you must be prepared for any possible outcome. The most important way to ensure your puppy grows up confident, friendly, and happy is to socialize and train them well from a young age. Make sure they have plenty of mental stimulation to prevent destructive boredom. Spend some time with the parents of your puppy to see what their personalities are like. Training and Exercising your Bulldog Lab Mix Since both the Labrador and the Bulldog are intelligent breeds, you can expect a Labrador Bulldog mix to be clever and pick up new commands and tricks with ease. Both the Lab and the Bulldog are eager to please and they are likely to pass this sentiment on to their offspring. However, keep in mind that the Bulldog and the Labrador are both chewers and can be prone to destructive behaviors when bored. As previously mentioned, early socialization, obedience training, plenty of chew toys, exercise, and mental stimulation will help to alleviate undesirable behaviors. But what about exercise? Exercise Needs The Bulldog and the Labrador are quite different when it comes to their exercise needs. So, owners should look at their individual puppies and use their judgement, or speak to their vet if unsure. Lab Exercise Needs The Labrador is a very athletic and energetic breed who needs about an hour of exercise a day, plus lots of playtime in the backyard. Long walks and games of fetch or Frisbee are an excellent choice for an active Lab, and of course, he does enjoy swimming. This purebred dog needs a family that can offer enough exercise. Without enough exercise, Labs can easily become overweight and unhappy. Bulldog Exercise Needs This is at odds with the Bulldog. The unhealthy conformation of the Bulldog breed has led to some real problems with exercising. Short walks and a game of tug-of-war are enough to keep this breed in shape. His flat face means breathing can be quite difficult, particularly on hot days. We will look more at these problems in a moment. Bulldogs should be kept indoors during especially warm days, as they can be prone to severe breathing issues which can be made worse by heat. Also, unlike the Labrador, who loves to swim, the Bulldog cannot be left alone in water that is deeper than his elbows. If it does, the puppy will likely have the health issues that accompany this face shape. This means overheating and over-exercising can be a real problem. Moderate exercise is usually enough for one of these puppies, but sadly, some may even struggle with this amount. Bulldog Lab Mix Health and Care As many of us know, purebred dogs have been excessively bred throughout the years by breeders struggling to maintain breed standard. What has resulted is a very small gene pool in which genetic disease is continuously passed down to new generations. Supporters of crossbreeding point out the practice enlarges the gene pool and in turn may reduce the chances of health problems being passed down. But, there is still no guarantee that cross breeds are healthier. In fact, many specialists argue that purebred dogs and crossbreed dogs are still equally susceptible to inheriting genetic diseases. For more information on the conflict of crossbreeding, click here. Bulldog Health Issues While it is true that many experts insist cross breeds are healthier than purebreds, the reality is that there is no guarantee of what you are going to get with a hybrid dog. In this case especially, prospective owners of a Bulldog or Bulldog cross need to be aware of the health issues of the breed. The Bulldog suffers from a very serious breathing issue called Brachycephaly Airway Obstruction Syndrome as a result of his squashed face. This is unpleasant and dangerous for the dog and can be devastating for an owner both emotionally and financially down the road. The Bulldog also suffers from an issue known as Screw Tail , which is a health complication resulting in dogs with very curly tails, like the Bulldog. There are a number of other health problems your Bulldog crossbreed could face that you should be aware of. With a lifespan of years, you might not get to enjoy your dog as long as you would like. Other Bulldog Problems The purebred Bulldog is also prone to: Overheating Skin issues like allergies, eczema, dry skin, and acne Arthritis.

I bet you can't catch me. Hey there friends, my name is Coco Puff. I am a 1-year-old German Shepherd mix. Some of my favorite things to do are running, playing with toys, and eating treats! As sweet as I am, I would do best in a home with no cats and children over 10 years old so they can keep up with my playful energy. Do you have any extra treats I could help you with? Apply now! Available now. All Pet Central animals are up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, spayed or neutered, microchipped registration included , and current on parasite prevention. Dogs over six-months of age are heartworm tested. When adopting, we will ensure that you receive copies of veterinary and microchip records. If you are interested in this pet, please fill out the brief Adopter Survey by hitting "Apply for Adoption" on the profile. After we review your completed survey we will contact you by phone or email within three business days. We're primarily a volunteer organization, so we appreciate your patience. Please note- Out of respect for our volunteers and staff, we are closed on Sundays and Mondays and will not be processing any applications on that day. Do get back to us right away when we call or email regarding an application so that we can quickly connect using the process below: Select a pet and submit an online adoption survey. A PCH adoption counselor will contact potential adopters within three business days PCH cannot guarantee any pet's availability, but we make every effort to accommodate adopters with a reply and possible alternative suggestions. Counselor and client will then have a conversation to answer questions, discuss any medical needs for the pet and determine the suitability of a match if necessary, we may opt to put adopters in touch with foster parents. Adopters should bring a pet carrier and leash to pick up. Adult pets will be wearing a collar. It is important that clients arrive on time, neither early nor late. If your adoption is scheduled at Pet Central Helps! Park in the parking lot and enter the facility. A PCH representative will greet you and show you to the adoption room. Your new pet will be handed to you. We will take a "Happy Adoption Day photo with your pet and family. We will be set up just inside the store entrance. Let us know you are here to pick up your pet! A PCH representative will confirm your information and hand you your pet. PCH supports a day no-fault return policy in which adopters are given the opportunity to find a better match. Thank you, Pet Central Helps! However, there are some breeders who may charge more or less depending on the age and rarity of the. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since .Sanders' Precious DN Males: 2. We love German Shepherds and breed only as a hobby so that others can enjoy the love and companionship of a wonderful German. Our puppies are world-class. 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We're now accepting deposits on our 7 new litters due in April, May, and June of .German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation. Kona is a Kai daughter and a Karo great grand daughter. Now that we have talked about some things to look for when choosing a breeder, lets move on the cost of purchasing a German Shepherd Puppy in Illinois. The reason behind this is that there are many unreputable German Shepherd breeders in Illinois. Contact your breeder to arrange payment and. The mom and dad both have great personalities and regal looks. Very healthy, playful puppies! Find German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Bloomington, IL German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. German Shepherd Rescue, Inc. Search for a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and. German Shepherd Puppies. Included in the cost of our puppies are a lifetime health guarantee, contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract , the first year of shots, and a comprehensive dog training program here at our premises in Spring Grove, IL. Their brains, size, and loyalty make. German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Quoran has a nice a masculine head, sound structure and movement. Illinois German Shepherd Rescue. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. White Star Kennel German Shepherds. We are friendly people to deal with. Tags: cocker spaniel puppies southern Illinois puppies Illinois puppies cocker spaniel cocker spaniel small good kid brown chocolate white brown and white. 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Find German Shepherd puppies for sale. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Illinois from trusted. Send us a message for more info! Call Us Today At .All Pedigree German Shepherds puppies are from champion bloodlines and you will not find dogs of a higher caliber anywhere. Learn more 1, puppies available. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Also she has kind of a bandit… View Details. Dogs in Belleville Illinois. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we. She is a smart, energetic girl who loves to run and belly rubs. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. German Shepherd, Illinois » Kankakee Township. Beautiful markings- 1 white ear, 1 black ear. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location. Our Long Coat German Shepherds look incredible and are bred from some of the best bloodlines originating from Germany. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. They are bred with solid nerves, courage, adaptability, intelligence, and instinctual protection skills. We breed German Shepherd puppies and Labrador Retriever puppies. Illinois German Shepherd puppies for sale prices are determined by each dog's individual characteristics, that is to say, color, gender, coat length, and pedigree. Welcome to White Star Kennel! We offer high-quality purebred German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever puppies at affordable prices to loving homes. Take a look our litters page to see the most up-to-date information and to arrange a viewing of our puppies at our premises in Spring Grove, Illinois. 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Book a nearby vacation home for the whole. All units feature wood fireplaces, laundry, walk-in closets and extra storage room. This collection of modern, elevated residences fuses a geometric aesthetic with the soft, natural warmth of the surrounding neighborhood. It is a small town, a town which the great Dalai Lama considers his second home. Going well beyond traditional animal control, Animal Enforcement Officers address animal-related issues and are working to improve the quality of life for animals and people in DeKalb County. A few important reminders are summarized below as the weather warms up this spring. Cold Weather Tips If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, you must provide a well-insulated doghouse with its opening facing south. Openings should include heavy duty, but flexible, flaps to reduce cold wind drafts. Place straw inside, and avoid using towels and blankets which easily dampen and make the space colder. Also, provide plenty of food and fresh water as your pet is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Outside water bowls will freeze, so check and refill them often. Wearing A Leash Did you know that it is illegal to have your dog off leash when off your property? Pet guardians are required to have dogs leashed and under their control at all times when you're not on your property. Dogs are only allowed off leash at specifically designated off-leash dog parks. Abandonment It is illegal to knowingly abandon, or to aid in the abandonment of, any domesticated animal on any property located in unincorporated DeKalb County. If you need help with a pet, we can help. Contact pethelp dekalbanimalservices. Food Sources Remember our trash is their treasure. Secure garbage cans and remove pet food bowls if you feed your pets outside. Chili powder is non-toxic yet effective for deterring wildlife around your home. Eliminate outdoor water sources. Barking Dogs We encourage citizens to try to speak with their neighbors first before submitting a barking dog complaint. Often times, the owners are not aware their dog is creating a disturbance and are happy to correct the problem without having an authority visit their home. It is common to encounter young wildlife that may appear to be unattended during the spring and summer months. The adult animal is typically nearby. Deer, for example, will spend most of the day away from their young to reduce the risk of a predator finding them. Only reach out to animal authorities if you observe the young wildlife unattended for more than 24 hours. Coyotes Female coyotes give birth in the spring and may become more aggressive due to being territorial if you are in the vicinity of their pups. Yelling, loud noises, water hoses, whistles, and throwing objects will scare them away. Food sources Remember our trash is their treasure. On a hot day, the temperature inside a closed car can rise as high as degrees. If you come across an animal alone in a car, and the outside temperature is above 70 degrees, please immediately call DeKalb County Animal Enforcement or Police Services. Barking dogs We encourage citizens to try to speak with their neighbors first before submitting a barking dog complaint. We are the largest animal welfare organization in Georgia. We look at the root causes of pet homelessness and work with our community to provide accessible pet care. Our goal is to keep people and pets together. Learn More below for steps to take and helpful resources.

The last thing you want to do is put a puppy in a home that isn't ready to take care of it. A puppy will need to be housebroken, trained , and exercised. If you plan to buy a puppy for a child, be sure to speak to their parents. Are you okay with grooming it regularly? Do you have enough space for a big dog or would a small or medium dog work best? Animal shelters can be great sources of both mixed-breed and pure-breed dogs. If you are looking for a specific breed, call ahead. Pet stores often get their animals from what are known as puppy mills. Puppy mills also called puppy farms treat their animals poorly and take advantage of their dogs, and their puppies are often unhealthy. A great place to start is to ask your vet or local humane society for recommendations. Their kennels should be spacious and clean. Breeds only a few types of dogs and is knowledgeable about those breeds. Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee for your puppy. Alternatively, you can make a handmade IUO. You can include a stuffed animal puppy with your gift certificate or IOU. Consider bringing in a foster dog instead. Your recipient will be able to learn the responsibilities of animal adoption. If they fall in love with the dog, awesome job! If they don't fall in love with the pup, that's okay! Fostering is just a temporary home. An empty outlined icon indicating the option to save an item Save Article play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play When it comes to wrapping gift boxes, we like to think we've got our technique down pat—it's all about the glue gun! But throw us anything round, oversized, or otherwise oddly shaped, and we're totally lost. Luckily, we have House Beautiful contributor Eddie Ross to come to the rescue. As a contestant on Wrap Battle , he's tackled pretty much tricky gift imaginable—umbrellas, gym equipment, and even literal car. So we headed to his studio to learn how to transform a few literally out-of-the-box items into perfectly wrapped presents, from a bouncy ball peppermint swirl to a gift box that's safe for furry friends. Watch the video to see some real holiday magic! Follow House Beautiful on Instagram. Emma Bazilian Senior Features Editor Emma Bazilian is a writer and editor covering interior design, market trends and culture. She has very strong feelings about tissue box covers and believes that everything is better with toile. That's why we've put together a Haute Dog gift box the prefect gift for dog lovers and their furry companions who appreciate the finer things in life. Our dog gift box is filled with all kinds of goodies that will make tails wag and hearts sing. First up, we have all-natural hand-rolled dried cod skins, a delicious and healthy treat that will keep their pup entertained for hours. We've also included a boho-chic mud cloth bandana by Foggy Dog, which is perfect for fashion-forward pups who want to make a statement. For the environmentally conscious, we've added a compostable and plant-based poop bag holder, as well as color-coordinated patterned degradable poop bags. And if their dog loves to play fetch, they'll have a blast with our colorful Metro Dog ball. Last but not least, we've included Natural Dog's organic skin soother balm and PawTection travel stick to help keep their pup's skin healthy and protected. And let's not forget about the Gerrrona beer dog toy, because what's a good time without a little humor? Our Haute Dog gift box is the perfect way to show your dog-loving friend that you care. It's a thoughtful and stylish gift that they'll love and appreciate. This is a gender-neutral dog gift. Its flexible one-piece design guarantees its durability, and its silicone-feel soft texture makes it soft to hold and super easy to wipe clean. It is equipped with a carabiner that will easily clip on a leash or harness. Colors will vary. Bandana Foggy Dog. Made in the U. Choose large or small neck size. Grrrona Beer Dog Toy - Because who doesn't need a beer once in a while? Designer Ball Metro Dog - The designer ball is durable, safe, non-toxic, made with natural rubber, and the standard size ball for most pups. If you want to hit the trails or the park, you won't lose these colorful balls as they are as bright and fun as they come! Such detoxifying and natural ingredients are safe for pets. These wipes are thicker, larger, and softer than any other wipes we've seen. This is the go-to remedy for healing and soothing dry, itchy skin. In addition to nourishing the skin, this balm treats and heals redness and inflammation, hot spots, rashes, allergy irritations, cuts and wounds, bug bites, and more. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, Skin Soother does it all! PawTection Natural Dog Company - This chapstick sized balm is easy to take on the go and helps protect paws against damage from hot surfaces such as pavement, gravel, rocks, and gnarly elements such as ice salt, snow, and extreme temperatures. It also works to reduce the effects of contact with allergens, including grass, pollen, and mold. Cod Skins Polkadog Treats- - Every good dog needs some tasty treats. These are single-ingredient sustainably-caught cod skins sourced in the United States that are hand-rolled and dehydrated in Boston, Mass at the Polkadog factory. By purchasing this gift box - you are planting a tree. Pick a card. Will Love Featuring festive treats, toys, and so much more. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on December 9, We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Courtesy of Bark Box As nice as it can be to receive gifts over the holidays , it's often even more rewarding to be the one doing the gifting.As pet owners can attest, there's nothing more satisfying than presenting your pup with a treat or toy that you know they'll absolutely love—even if they just tear it apart a few minutes later. And if you can, why not give them a whole bundle of presents rather than just one? That's even better. Luckily, there are tons of great dog gift baskets available that are guaranteed to bring joy to both you and your four-legged pal. These 13 Dog Subscription Boxes Are the Gift That Keeps on Giving From adorable boxes filled with Christmas-themed cookies for dogs, to useful bundles featuring items like collars, leashes, and more —there are so many fun options for treating the pup in your life this season. Below, we've rounded up our 13favorite dog gift baskets, all of which you can buy just in time for the holidays. Because seriously, is there any better way to spend this time of year than by making your best friend even happier than they already are? It includes eight Christmas-themed cookies, four icing cups, and a packet of mini bone cookies, all of which are individually wrapped to keep them fresh long after the holidays are over. That is, if your dog doesn't devour them all before New Year's Eve! Featuring four toys including a reindeer, obviously and two big bags of seasonal treats, the box will put any pup right in the holiday spirit. This one contains five toys including a getaway car and a paint can plus a bag of treats aptly named "Marv, Duck! With this box, you and your dog's next movie night is bound to be a success. Upgrade your pup's walk style with a new leash, collar, and waste bag dispenser, all made of soft but durable material and designed in a lovely dusty blue color scheme but you can choose from a ton of other color options if you prefer. Everything comes packed in a pretty box that's tied with a gold bow, so you can rest easy knowing you're treating your furry pal in style. All the snacks that it contains, such as organic chicken bites and grass-fed beef jerky, are made with pups' health in mind, and there's a handful of toys thrown in to ensure your pal has some fun. There are two different kinds of toys, a bag of treats, a bandana, and a blanket, all festively themed for the season. There's even a "Happy Holidays" banner you can display for cute photo ops! Containing a toy, treats, a poop bag dispenser, bags, and even a blanket perfect for cuddles or protecting your couch from all the hair! In this jam-packed gift box, there are some good-looking treats, but also a dog-shaped soap dish, dog-themed socks, and many more items meant for owners to enjoy. Happy holidays to us all! If you're planning on giving the bag to another dog owner, you can even add a personalized handwritten message on a dog-themed card , of course. There are tennis balls, plush toys, and a rope toy, all intended to keep pups entertained for hours on end. Get ready to watch your pup have a ball pun intended playing with these holiday-themed items and count down the days until Christmas with the Advent calendar on the back of the box. These aesthetically pleasing and functional bowls set the standard for pet dishes. Each Bella Bowl: Comes equipped with a removable rubber base that eliminates noise, prevents spills and makes Bella Bowls safe to put in the dishwasher. Combines a smooth poly-resin exterior with a stainless interior. Are you thinking about traveling around the world with your furry friend? Make any new adventure convenient with our Blue Bella Roma travel bowl, designed for easy traveling. The patented design features a collapsible lid for stress-free storage and a lock to store dry food — plus, the bowl portion is bisphenol A BPA -free! Snacks Our Rescued Gift Basket treats are perfect for pets that need a little extra spoiling. Your favorite pooches will be munching on snacks that are good for their tastebuds and their bodies. These soft-chew rescue dog treats are: Made in the USA. Perfect for any sized dog, senior or adult. The ideal size for a tasty reward. Made with delicious beef and infused with visible bits of peas and carrots. These slow feeders also reduce the amount of air your dogs take in while eating, which reduces health risks like bloating, vomiting and choking. Celebrate Your Pet With a Dog Rescue Care Package From Loving Pets If you've seen how much friendly companionship and joy a rescue dog can provide your family, let them know how much you appreciate your furry friend with a rescue dog treat basket from Loving Pets. Look to us for an extensive selection of dog baskets , treats , bowls and diners , bones and chews and accessories. You can also check out our cat and aquatic baskets to celebrate all your pets! Related Products.

Commencing Marker Training your chocolate labrador pup Start Marker Training at 8 weeks of age When you take your 8 week old labrador pup to their new home, you should commence their obedience training immediately. Just repetitively say yes and give your pup a treat immediately. Then familiarise your labrador pup with a leash. Clip the leash to their collar and allow the pup to roam a little. This way they will adjust to its weight and the sensation around their neck. If you try to walk your pup straight away, they will simply resist. Don't pull and command, but rather cultivate a positive experience with a leash. Secondly, I recommend that you feed your new labrador pup with a leash attached until they learn to sit. This will establish you as the master and immediately teach the pup restraint. Do not give the food bowl to your dog without firstly bringing him under your control. Even with my mature dogs, I will not let them feed except on command. Feeding should never be random. Hold the leash close to the labrador pup's neck and push their rear end down to the seated position. When they are sitting, enthusiastically praise your pup and, only then, reward their obedience with food. Remember, food should always represent a reward for good behaviour. They hear tones and frequencies. When we train them, we are conditioning them to associate a particular sound with a response so that it means something to them. Labrador puppies like all dogs learn contextually and by consistent repetition. In this way, a labrador pup learns to associate sounds with responses and rewards. This is why you should reward your pup immediately when they have performed a command correctly, even if they did not intend to do so. In the early stages, I prefer to teach a dog to 'sit,' then move on to 'staying' before teaching them to 'come'. This is especially so while they are still a puppy. Remember that a 12 month old dog is still a pup. They are regularly hyperactive and overstimulated. The goal is to get your labrador puppy into a calm and submissive state as often as you can. Ensure you are demonstrating a calm and composed, yet assertive demeanor. When you are in charge, your labrador pup will willingly sit and look to you for direction. Exercise patience and be repetitive but don't overdo it. Remember that the time you put in now will help you bond with your young dog, even if they do not appear to be advancing quickly. It will be a very worthwhile investment in a long term relationship for years to come. Of these three basic commands, the 'stay' command will take more time to teach. When this is mastered and entrenched in your dog's obedience, it can save your dog from danger. You are teaching them associations, not English words. Sit Teaching your new labrador pup to sit should begin immediately when you take it home. Begin by feeding them on a leash. Hold the leash close to the pup's neck. Give the pup the 'sit' command, but don't reward them with food until they are sitting. In this way you have begun to condition the pup to the 'sit' command. This requires patience at meal time. Remember that a labrador pup requires 4 feeds a day for the first phase of their life. This gives you ample opportunity for repetition and reward. When the dog sits, reward them with a treat and a lot of enthusiastic praise. Each time they repeat the behaviour, reward them with a treat again. You can train your labrador pup for short intervals at any time. Carry a few small pieces of food. Call your pup, then reward them with lots of affirmation and a piece of food when they comply. Teach them to sit by offering a small treat. Say 'sit', then let them smell the food as you move your hand over their head. A labrador pup will automatically lift the nose in the air to follow the food. As the head moves up and back, the pup will tend to sit. Give lots of praise and gradually increase repetition as they associate the word 'sit' with the food. Stay Your Labrador pup will need to understand the 'sit' command before you advance to 'stay'. Before you give the 'stay' command, make sure that the dog is seated. To keep the dog in the sitting position, you will use your hand with the fingers pointing up and the palm in front of their face. To begin with, position yourself about half a metre away from your pup's face. Direct the 'stay' command calmly, with your hand up. Slowly take half a step back and remain there for 3 seconds to begin with. Then step back towards to the dog. Wait for another 3 sec and then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat this 5 times. Reward them at the end of each 'stay' routine by praising them enthusiastically and giving them a treat. Don't praise or reward the dog until they have remained seated in front of you for a minimum of 3 seconds when you return. Your puppy should not move a millimetre until you give the reward. If your dog breaks early, you have gone too far. Simply return to your dog, reset them in the seated position and begin the routine again. Come It is important to make sure your Labrador understands the 'stay' command before you begin the recall or 'come' command. Make sure you pup is seated before you give the 'come' command. As your walk away from your pup, maintain eye contact. Don't back away too far too soon. If the pup breaks early, give the 'come' command to establish association. When you call your dog to 'come', do not let them jump up on you. If the dog wants to stand on its back legs and reach up, place the palm of your hand on their head and hold it away from you. I suggest that you don't say 'no! The down command should be used as a more constructive training command. If your pup jumps up, make your disapproval known by using a 'dog' sound; 'Ahhh! If you find yourself becoming frustrated, then put the pup away and start again tomorrow. Don't take it personally and don't blame the dog. Corrections are necessary, but not out of frustration or anger. If it's not working, then look at your consistency and your communication. If the training is a positive experience then you will strengthen the bonding and learning process. Develop consistent communication and trust with your dog in the process of the training. Labrador pups love to please and they will be very proud of themselves when they accomplish the command and gain your approval. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the toilet at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialisation Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the garden Besides the gnomes and questionable garden furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own garden is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and garden to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favourite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. You should take your puppy outdoors and let him exercise his socialization potential at a young age. Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pet is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. The best way to avoid this is to take them far enough from the house and ensure they have a positive outside experience. It is worth noting that you should do this as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training It would be best to start potty training your Lab puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. A good idea is to cordon off a small area and add some bark chippings. Next, you need a potty training schedule such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Many owners use dog crates to help with house training. I have a step-by-step guide on Labrador puppy crate training where you can learn tons more. Discourage Biting If you follow my blog, you know I am against punishment-oriented training. If you train your dog young enough to avoid harsh bites, you will not need punishment-driven discipline strategies. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can cause aggression in your dog. You can also check out my article, How to Discipline a Labrador , for greater insight into this topic. Instead, you can wait until your Labrador bites during a positive activity and then discontinue it. It will anchor the consequence better. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Labrador will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Labrador will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. Chances are, at first, your Labrador will try to change his pace to be behind you because of the force of habit. Walking in areas familiar to your dog will eliminate this problem. While you previously trained him to assume a heel position, you can also teach him these techniques. You may notice that your puppy can tell your words apart by the thirteenth week. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included whistling, clapping, or saying a specific word to indicate that your Labrador is doing a good job, typically followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! Where you previously whistled when your Lab ran towards you, now you must whistle, so he begins his run. This is the start of his Labrador recall training. Teaching good recall is an ongoing process. My dog was around 12 months old before seeing a noticeable improvement in her recall. Please avoid forcing the dog, as that only introduces confusion. Build Comfort With Crowds — Work on Socialization You have trained your Labrador to acknowledge close friends and family in the past few weeks. While this enables the puppy to be more social when you have visitors, a grown dog must learn to walk outdoors without acting out. This transition must be gradual, and try to keep experiences positive. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training , for example, to touch a target with a specific part of his body. Remember that your Lab may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. Here, I recommend teaching your Labrador to touch your hand with his nose. Ultimately, this is an excellent replacement for bites! Hand targeting is fun to teach, helps your pup build trust, and gets him using his brain! You have laid a strong foundation of discipline and positive reinforcement, making it easier to train your dog to follow more complex commands. In these weeks, you will introduce him to assuming different positions, obeying your commands as he moves away from you, and reacting to more nuanced anchors. Remember, 4-month-old Labrador puppies have a short attention span, so avoid long training sessions. Teach the Sit and Stay Teaching your Lab to sit and stay is a useful command for him to learn. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your Labrador to public parks and he has seen other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your Labrador may not bring the toy back to you for a second round, but he will soon get the idea of retrieving it. You can gradually turn it into a game of fetch over the next few weeks and reward your doggo with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of Labrador training, you will continue potty training with a degree of independence. Continue with a good schedule and sync your walks with his natural cycle to align with the times he needs to go. You can use it to control your Labrador and later to test his ability to execute a command off-leash. A harness is also a good idea and is used for outdoor training and walks. Many owners will opt for a rear-attaching harness. Related: Harness vs. Collar for Lab Puppy: Which is Best? How to Train a 5-Month-Old Lab Puppy A five-month-old Labrador puppy is ready to be tested for his general obedience and the ability to deal with distractions, whether other dogs, people, or other animals such as squirrels or birds. Earlier, I mentioned that you could not expect an eight-week-old puppy to delay gratification. Your puppy can deal with distractions at five months old if you introduce them slowly. You must be prepared for your dog to run ahead of you now! However, suppose you have developed a solid relationship with your pup and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay within a reasonable distance, remaining by your side and showing loyalty. Once your Lab puppy has reached his 6-month milestone, it also marks the point where you introduce him to advanced obedience training. The good news is that all the training you have previously given will make it easier for your dog to follow your lead. Conclude Potty Training Your dog has had months to learn how to communicate his need to go potty. He has also likely refined the patience to hold it instead of relieving himself on the floor. Therefore, you can communicate your disappointment with your body language if your dog makes a mess. Avoid physical punishment and even verbal chastising as it impacts your dog negatively. All dogs can still have the odd accident up to 12 months old. Moreover, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened, known as either excitement or submissive urination. Increase Exercise Now that your Lab puppy is six months old, you can increase his exercise to thirty minutes twice daily. Energy levels, especially for larger breed dogs, escalate during this time. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old Labrador can be out for one hour if you split his walks into thirty minutes a day. To train your 6-month-old Lab puppy, start with two commands with the most practical use. From six months onwards, until your Labrador is a well-trained adult, you can teach the following commands or tricks in any order. How to Train a 7-Month-Old Labrador As your Lab progresses to seven months old, a lot of the previous training needs to be kept consistent as you gradually teach him to comprehend more commands. Maybe there is a trespasser, and you want your dog to scare them away. You will need to continue training your dog to hold things or release them on command, but you can also proceed to add distance and even more background distractions. Ironically, you need to teach him to bark on command before learning to be silent on cue. Over this month, he will learn to associate the respective commands with barking and silence. This is quite tricky, but your Lab will eventually get there if you practice and stay consistent. The eighth month is ideal for training your Lab to go to different places upon hearing the command word. Either way, do not overload him with place commands, and stick to no more than two per month. Or you can use the ninth month to teach a cool party trick! After a week, you can remove the treat and teach your Lab to follow your finger. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he follows the command. By the third week, you can cue your doggo to spin and see if he does so without your finger guiding him in a circular motion. It might take an extra week or two, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your pet to learn previous commands better. You can teach him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now progress this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your 1-year-old Labrador only learns to comprehend more at the same pace as he has since the 6-month mark. You should also audit previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. How to Train an Month-Old Labrador You will not have to alter your training regimen dramatically if you have trained your Labrador properly from eight weeks onward. If anything, this is the period where you customize his training to your convenience. Now is when your dog must learn to be compatible with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your dog to be harmonious with modern adult life within reason. It is sad to see dog owners having to give away their pets because of behavior issues. Such things are avoidable if you train your dog correctly and sufficiently exercise him. It would be best if you simply established authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your dog acknowledges your authority and sees you as a guide, you can merely treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. Your job becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule and stick to your routine. This month-by-month Labrador puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and turn him into the beloved companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. Check Price on Amazon 6. Make Commands Only Once When it comes to training, what you give is what you get. This is known as command nagging. Teach your pup to heed a command at its first mention. If an order is not executed the first time, show your Lab what you want them to do and make the command again. Repeat that until they learn to obey the first time the command is made. Discipline at the Precise Moment of the Unwanted Behavior Timing is crucial when disciplining your 8-week-old Labrador pup. Dogs will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes. However, they can recall your training commands through associative memory. Once your pup has corrected his unwanted behavior with the desired behavior, reward him with a tasty treat and lots of praise. To learn more about how to discipline your dog, check out my top article, How to Discipline a Labrador: What Not to Do! It can also cause aggression in dogs , as found in this year-long study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. Using physical punishment such as hitting, kicking, or grabbing the jowls and shaking, is simply animal abuse. Other unacceptable methods are physically forcing the dog down onto its side or back, growling at your dog, withdrawing food, using a shock collar, or tying it for hours. Wean Your Puppy off Training Treats Your Labrador needs to learn that skills and commands are not learned or obeyed for the sole motive of a treat. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the behavior and completely mastered it in different locations and with various distractions. Nonetheless, your Labrador puppy is still a dog in training, and you still need to tell him that he has done the right thing. The rule of thumb is that they are trained young when it comes to dog training. You should train Labrador puppies as soon as you bring them home, typically around 8 weeks of age. The American Kennel Club AKC indicates that the first key milestone when training a Lab pup is 8 weeks, as soon as they have left their mother. It is a crucial time to lay the foundation for your Labrador puppy to integrate into the family. When you bring your Labrador Retriever puppy home at two months, it has most likely interacted with a few situations and is eager enough to learn and follow the rules of a new home. A recent study scientifically proved that 8-week-old puppies are quite capable of learning at this young age as they quickly learned to open a puzzle box baited with food and remembered the skill an hour later. Interestingly, these puppies learned the skill better from a human rather than their mother. Other studies have also proven that it is effective for future behavior to teach puppies socialization and other skills rather than adults. In this study, puppies who attended a command and socialization training class for one hour a day for six months responded better to strangers than adult dogs who attended the same classes. Are Lab Puppies Easy to Train? Lab puppies are easy to train. They are a working breed that enjoys physical and mental stimulation and have many positive traits. They are intelligent, devoted, friendly, highly social, and love to please. They are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, or search and rescue due to their easy trainability. Apart from the age factor, other breed-specific reasons make training a Labrador puppy easy. Here are three examples: Labradors are among the most intelligent dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, canine psychologist Stanley Coren lists Labradors in the top tier of the smartest dogs. So, even at just two months, your puppy has it in his blood to learn and carry out commands. To perform their original working job of retrieving fish that came off the trawl, Labradors had to be watchful and enthusiastic. These are essential learning characteristics. As game and waterfowl retrievers for hunters, Labradors have to be obedient. Another core training requirement makes your Lab puppy easy to train. With these ten principles on exactly how to train an 8-week-old Labrador, you can now apply them to the key areas your young puppy needs to be trained in. Labrador Puppy Training: Key Areas There are five critical areas in which you must appropriately train your 8-week-old Lab puppy. In the next section, I will tell you what the training entails. How to Socialize a Labrador They say humans are social beings, but that is also true about dogs. Socialization begins with the breeder and continues with you. To socialize a Labrador, expose him to many different places and situations. Include sounds, smells, other adults, children, animals, cars, objects, etc. Dogs who are well socialized in the first 12 weeks will be set up for life. Socializing and training your puppy young plays a significant role in the development of adult dogs, as evidenced in this important study. Here are two key findings: Dogs that are well socialized as pups will behave more positively with humans and are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games with humans, helping them establish a true bond with their owners. As a puppy, you can teach your Labrador social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. Once he has completed his vaccinations, take him to public places such as parks or puppy socialization classes. Put him outside hourly and learn to anticipate when he needs to go. Reward and praise him when he does go outside. Usually, puppies will need to relieve themselves early in the morning and after meals. Use their natural rhythm for daily pee or poop walks. Dogs hate messing in the area they sleep in and usually hold it. Nonetheless, very young puppies might be unable to do so. Walk your Labrador after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to do his thing. Repeat the same in the evening. Puppies will need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and for vaccinated dogs, a short walk every hours is an ideal routine to prevent them from peeing around the house. If you crate your puppy because you need to go out, get someone to help you stick to the routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new furry friend a good idea of his expectations. Check out my guide to Labrador potty training here. To crate train an 8-week-old Labrador puppy, start as soon as you bring him home. Slowly introduce him to the crate by throwing a treat inside and let him explore the crate voluntarily. When you first leave him with the door closed, make sure he is tired as he will sleep and not be afraid. Check out my Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens recommendations, including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Here are six key things you should practice when crate-training your Labrador: Keep your puppy in the crate at night. Initiate crate training from the very first day you bring your puppy home. It will be harder to succeed in crate training if your puppy gets used to other sleeping arrangements. My puppy cried during the first night, but she was just fine after that. Lab puppies can be left alone in a crate for 1 hour for each month of age for up to 4 hours. Keep your dog in the crate when you are out of the house. This is also for his safety, such as when you are cooking. Do not let your Lab out of the cage when barking or giving you those puppy eyes. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly learn that being quiet leads to nice things. He will quickly learn that this special place is just for him. Various toys and bedding will offer some comfort for your Labrador. When purchasing a crate for your puppy, the best ones will give your Lab enough room to stand, sit, turn, and lie down comfortably on his side with paws outstretched. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into and choose a standard metal model with either a single or double door. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel , also from Amazon, are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is even airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. Older dogs may refrain from biting because they have been trained not to hurt as they have learned their bite inhibition. This simply means that the dog has learned to control the strength of his bite. This sends the message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth until he lets go, then use lots of praise. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially learned from their mother and littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Lab puppy to soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not know how to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and adult jaw muscles. This can be devastating for you both, should your Labrador go on to bite someone! Have realistic expectations — as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his soft bite. How to Train a Labrador Puppy to Walk on a Leash Walking on a leash is not a natural skill in dogs — they need to learn it! Teach a leash cue, then introduce the pup to very short walks. If the dog pulls, stand fast and wait for him to return to you before continuing. Do this by letting him wear them for short periods inside the house and yard. I find the best no-pull harness to be those that are not rear-attached, such as the Walk Your Dog With Love harness. They give you more control and are ideal for medium-large breeds. Give a treat when the command is obeyed. Introduce your Lab to short walks outside on a leash. When it appears he is about to lunge toward another dog or object, quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is crucial. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. You can start steps 1 and 2 when the puppy is young, but you can only commence step 3 once the dog has been vaccinated. Final Thoughts Eight weeks old is the perfect time to train a Labrador puppy in key areas such as socialization, crate training, potty training, not biting, and leash training. To successfully train your Lab puppy in these areas, you must follow good training principles such as using reward-based training, being consistent in your commands, and disciplining at the precise moment of poor behavior. Begin with basic commands before introducing more complex or trick commands. Related Posts You May Like:. Tweet on Twitter How long does it take to train a dog? With regular practice and commitment, many dog owners are able to teach their dogs reliable basic manners in a year or so. Of course there are a great many variables which mean dog training can take longer. How long does it take to train a dog? But actually, how long does it take to train a dog is quite a reasonable thing to ask! Training a dog is a fairly big deal for most of us, especially the first time around. Unravelling the variables There are a few factors we need to take into account if we are going to come up with a fair estimate of the time involved. These include: the outcome you want the time you are willing to invest how skilled you are how old your dog is and the temperament of your dog. The perfect age to start some really structured training lessons. And a further four to five weeks getting started with basic proofing. By this time you are looking at a six to seven month old puppy with some good basic skills in not too challenging conditions. Of course, experienced trainers may get to this point sooner, and some of us may take a little longer. Job done? Not quite! This may take another three to six months. So a fully-trained, well-mannered pet dog by the time they hit their first birthday is a reasonable aim for some of us. But as you can see, I picked the simplest assumption or outcome in each of the five variables listed above. Your dog will be expected to understand cues such as the send away, and the stop. They may need to learn to hunt and to retrieve, and so on. And of course to resist enormous temptations such as fast moving live animals and birds, while working. In addition to which you need to consider that strenuous physical activities should not be undertaken by dogs that are not yet physically mature. Most experts for example advise that dogs should not be encouraged to jump until the growth plates in their joints have fully hardened. Which in all but the smallest breeds is not likely to be much before the end of the first year. The time you are willing to invest We all lead busy lives. Like many enthusiasts, I train up to five times a day, many days of the year. How skilled you are The skill of the trainer is inevitably a factor in the how long it takes to train. BUT it is by no means the most important factor. And you should never let your own lack of skill stop you training your own dog. But you should be fair on yourself, and allow yourself time to get to grips with the skills and techniques involved in modern dog training. Because the more skilled you are, the better off your dog will be, and the quicker they will learn. How old your dog is This is not about puppies learning faster or older dogs having more concentration. Almost every dog over six months old has learned that being naughty sometimes pays off. And that chasing animals, balls, people, or bicycles is worth the fallout when they are eventually caught. Lots of other dogs over six months old have learned that getting to a walk means dragging a human being on the end of a leash for quite some distance first, or that jumping up at toddlers or old folk gets them a lot of attention. Even angry attention is better than being ignored. So be patient with yourself and your dog if you are starting over. The temperament of your dog Some dogs are very relaxed. Nothing is too big of a deal. People are okay, but not especially exciting. Other dogs are greeted calmly and the day just passes in a pleasant haze of food, sleep, walk, sleep, more food, more sleep and a few cuddles. What bliss. These dogs usually belong to someone else. Your dog quite possibly either runs the length of the county to greet every passing stranger or gets into an anxious mess every time another dog passes by. Many dogs have challenging personalities. Lots of the most popular dogs win the world are sporting breeds which are often high energy and playful. Many others are herding breeds which can be prone to be shy or even nervous. Your dog is what he is, and you have to deal with it. But knowing that thousands of other pet parents are in the same boat can help. Reactive or over friendly dogs can take longer to train simply because everything for them IS a big deal. So there you have it. An owner who has a dog with no problems, and a bland temperament, will have an easier time than the you or I. And a person who is able to invest the time to train twice daily, starts with an unspoiled puppy, and has no aspirations to excel at a specific sport could have a very well trained dog at around a year old. The rest of us may have to wait a little longer! All of it. Because like life, the journey we embark on when setting out to train our dogs, is as important, possibly even more important, than the destination.

We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Huntington Indiana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Hawaii Labradoodles!! We are excited to bring locally bred Labradoodles to Hawaii. We all currently reside in Kailua, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Veronica grew up here on Oahu, in Kailua, on the Windward side. She's had many pets and has always been an animal lover who's enjoyed caring for pets since she can remember. Casey is originally from Huntington Beach, Ca. In , our little Jack Russell Lucy passed away and we were longing for another dog. We had a wish list of sorts that we had in mind for our next dog: great temperament and personality low to no shed bigger breed During our search, we came across the labradoodle breed which fit the description perfectly. But it couldn't be that easy.We wanted a unique phantom colored labradoodle. Until now, finding any quality multi-generational labradoodle puppy in Hawaii was impossible. In , we searched diligently and came across a breeder in New Zealand, Willowbrook Farm, who had just had a litter of phantom colored labradoodles. We worked closely with the breeder and finally chose to make Maya part of our family. We were updated weekly with her progress, provided pictures of her during the entire process and enjoyed a very friendly dialog with the breeders. We anxiously awaited her arrival until she finally made her big voyage at 12 weeks old. We instantly fell in love with her. She is so kind, loving, smart, and obedient. Just a beautiful dog. She loves to watch animal planet, enjoys her tummy rubs, car rides, and loves to snuggle. Maya had three gorgeous litters and is now retired from our breeding program. Maya Cruise In , we decided to add the most gorgeous breeding stud into our breeding program. He is a 9 yr old multi-generational labradoodle that we imported from New Zealand. His name is Cruise and he has sired several amazing litters. We are committed to providing Hawaii with excellent multigenerational labradoodles. There are many "breeders" out there just breeding to breed and are not considering their responsibility in providing healthy and quality puppies for you to enjoy and add to your family. Also, do your research on what a F1 or F1B labradoodle is. F1's tend to have a totally different look and will shed. The F1B generally pull towards the poodle side with longer noses and tighter curls. We are conscientious about filling a need for the labradoodle community without adding to the pet over population problem. We want committed families so we know that our pups would never end up in a shelter. If you are interested in being placed on the wait list for the next litter, please fill out a puppy application. Mahalo for visiting our website! Copyright by LiveAlohaLabradoodles. All rights reserved.

Ready for new homes: August 11, .Ready for new homes: September .Ready for new homes: October .Ready for new homes: November .Ready for new homes: December .Ready for new homes: June .GSDs are a versatile and highly intelligent breed capable of mastering complex obedience commands. Their intelligent versatility is just one of many unique factors that put GSDs head and shoulders above most other breeds in the canine world. The average GSD can grow to a shoulder height as high as 26 inches and are capable of equal parts grace and power. Because of this incredible mixture of intelligence, grace, and strength, they are the favorite breed of security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military across many different nations. GSDs are also capable of mastering the highest levels of show dog training making them among the most popular breeds of championship show dog organizations. There are plenty of reasons why German Shepherds have long been thought of as canine royalty. Select your new pup from one of our available litters and make your reservation with us. No problem. You can contact us at or or email us at vomragnar gmail. Our trainers can also train your pup for basic obedience, advanced obedience, and protection or security work. Your puppy will learn excellent manners and communication skills that will provide you with many years of a rich, full relationship with your German Shepherd. Design Please beware of scams and frauds! There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. Please do not trust scammers and beware. Want to see our puppies available for sale? Write a Review vitali P 2 weeks ago Thank you affinity! We are very happy with our work together! A very special thank you to Jessie. Our new puppy sends you much love! Anastasiya Karovina 2 weeks ago Thank you guys for the beautiful baby. She's gorgeous! Brought joy to the house for the whole family. Excellent work, service, responsible attitude. I recommend it! Hagen 3 weeks ago My journey with my German Shepherd began with the expert guidance of the breeder at I Guard International and was beautifully complemented by the training prowess Jessi, Cody and Nick at K9 Country Club. Together, they've shaped a truly remarkable experience for me and my family. At I Guard International, I found not just a breeder but a passionate caretaker for these noble animals. The attention to detail, the commitment to quality, and the profound understanding of the German Shepherd breed were evident from our first meeting. Our pup was not merely a product but a living testament to their dedication to excellence Cody, working in unison with Nick, brought a whole new dimension to our German Shepherd's training. Their collaboration, with unique insights and methodologies, created a synergy that was reflected in the outstanding development of our pet. Cody's patient approach, his investment in understanding our dog's unique needs, and his ability to work seamlessly with Nick, resulted in a well-rounded and perfectly trained companion. But it wasn't just about the training; it was about the relationships that were forged. Jessi, Cody and Nick became more than trainers; they became mentors and friends to our family. They shared their wisdom, their love for dogs, and their unwavering commitment to providing the best care and training possible. Our German Shepherd's growth under their combined guidance has been a joy to watch. His character, discipline, and happiness are direct reflections of their hard work and heartfelt investment. If you're considering a breeder who truly understands the essence of the German Shepherd breed and trainers who will not just train your dog but celebrate its unique personality and potential, I wholeheartedly recommend I Guard International for breeding and training. In a world filled with choices, choosing them was one of the best decisions we've made for our family and our beloved pet. Their combined expertise and genuine love for what they do have created a lifelong bond and a truly happy, well-trained German Shepherd. Thank you, I Guard International, Cody,Jessi, and Nick, for being more than professionals in your field; thank you for being partners in our family's journey. Tom Jones 2 months ago.Hans Hauge 3 months ago We wanted two dogs that could both defend our home and still be a part of the family. We got it with these two. When someone comes to the door they let us know, and then they just chill out. Megan Mathews 6 months ago.As I was looking for breeders in the Spokane area. I came across I-Guard and gave them a call and spoke with Jessi. We set up a meeting to talk about their German Sheppards and she introduced us to Nick. He listened to our story about our Mal and he matched us up with the perfect German Sheppard for our family, Ace. I was impressed with the knowledge and professionalism that both Jessi and Nick gave to me and my family and feel very fortunate that I made the phone call to I-Guard for our next addition to our family. Since July Nick has reached out to ensure that all is going well on top of training Ace 1 on 1 to help out with my autistic son. Thank you Jessi and Nick for all you have done for my family. Zach Phelps 8 months ago Love these guys! Jessi was super helpful in answering any questions. They breed great tempered dogs for any environment. They took the time to talk and match the right dog to my crazy lifestyle. I will absolutely be coming back to expand my pack in a year or two. Chris Destro 2 year ago We searched and spoke with many German Shepherd breeders. Once we connected with Jessie, we felt super comfortable as she did not rush our decision at all, in fact, she was extremely patient and helpful as we made our final choice. So glad we went with I-Guard and her! He is amazing with kids and has a friendly disposition. We love him very much. Thank you again, Jessie.Koda is the best! We look at every German shepherd puppy as a special member of our family—and a future member of yours. Think of it like skipping the baby stage and the sleepless nights. Puppies range from two to 10 months old depending on your preference. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. If it takes longer than 21 days for a lab puppy to open its eyes, look for infections and visit a vet for advice. It takes about eight weeks for a lab puppy's full eyesight development to reach adult levels. We recommend waiting at least eight weeks before adopting a lab puppy so they can develop their sight, walking, running, and health first. But one thing many people ask is when they first open their eyes. On average, lab puppies open their eyes within the first days but sometimes, it can take as long as days. It takes a few weeks for most puppies to open their eyes because they are sensitive to light. Opening their eyes is the first major step in a puppy's growth and development. Lab puppies are born with their eyes closed, and it takes time for all dogs, including labs, to grow and develop. Keep reading to learn everything necessary about puppy eyes and their development. Lab puppies do not open their eyes until they are about days old. The maximum estimate for a lab puppy to open its eyes is days. They are born with their eyes closed and aren't developed enough to open them until they are about two weeks old. They will likely start to make more noise as they become more alert and aware of their surroundings. Remember that every dog is different, so these are just general guidelines. For example, they might make little whimpers and squeaks more clearly. This is because puppies are born with their eyelids sealed together. This is due to their optical nerves not having full function yet, and bright lights are too much for them to handle. They are still delicate. They are born from darkness, and the outside world is much brighter for newborn puppies. It takes time for these little creatures to adjust properly. So when a lab puppy is born, they have its eyes shut. All dogs are born as puppies with their eyes closed. The same is true for lab puppies with tightly closed eyelids in the first few days after birth. Once the eyelids open, the eyes are still delicate because this is the first real exposure to bright lights. The eyeball is blue or gray, and the iris looks the same. All puppies have this same eye color at this age too. The true eye color isn't developed until the lab puppy is eight weeks old. This means they will change color and become more pigmented as they age. Around the same time, the eyeball will grow, slowly becoming more visible. Their vision is mostly movement and shapes, without any ability to see anything accurately. By eight weeks, a lab puppy has developed acute vision. This is one of the reasons why many dog adoptions occur at eight weeks or later. Keep an eye out for signs of eye infections in puppies, especially since the lab is very young. We recommend trying one of the following things if a lab has gone past 21 days without first opening its eyes. This is something to be concerned about, and massaging the eyelids, identifying swelling, and contacting a vet is the best solution. Massage The Eyelids Sometimes a litter of lab puppies can be underdeveloped. This can happen if the lab is very premature. It may take longer for their eyes to open when this happens, but it's still alarming and worth monitoring. Massaging the eyelids gently can help. This can be done once a day to help the puppy improve their eye strength and soon be able to open its eyes. Look For Swelling After trying the massage technique, be sure to look for any type of infection or swelling in the eye area. Some signs of potential problems include swelling, pus, or abnormalities around the eyes. When this happens, professional help is needed to analyze the puppy's health. Puppies are born with their eyes shut. They also lack mobility and must be monitored extremely carefully at birth, which is true for the first weeks after they are also born. This puts more pressure on the new owner to know about potential health issues while increasing the initial costs. Caring for a puppy in the first six weeks is also much more difficult. It takes about eight weeks for them to develop their adult vision capabilities. This means the next weeks should be steady growth to allow the puppies to become more comfortable with their surroundings. By the eight-week mark, the lab puppy is grown, medicated, and capable of much more. And this is around the time when potential owners can start to adopt. Before eight weeks old and adoption, lab puppies also develop more in other areas. This includes learning to climb in the first weeks and learning to walk, run, and play with confidence by week four. Puppies are born with their eyes shut and it generally takes 10—14 days for newborn puppies to open their eyes and longer for them to see clearly. By Doug Jimerson Doug has been owned by a long line of cats and dogs in a variety of shapes and sizes. It generally takes 10—14 days for newborn puppies to open their eyes. Some breeds may even take longer. Most puppies will open one eye at a time over the course of a few days. Be patient. Let nature take its course. So you should keep puppies at this early age in a dimly lit location to protect their eyes. In fact, puppies can see before they can hear their ears open at around 18—20 days , Todd says. The last thing your pup needs is to develop conjunctivitis during this critical period. If left untreated, conjunctivitis can cause permanent blindness. Overall, the best thing to do for your puppy when it comes to early eye care is to let nature take its course. Certainly, you should watch for any crusty build-up on the eyes or any other sign that something might be amiss, but in general, just enjoy your puppy transforming itself from a blind, deaf, fur ball into a bouncing, happy animal. Was this page helpful? Training and Socialization Back to Top During the first eight weeks of life, puppies are extremely dependent on their mother, because they need special care to grow healthy and strong. The mother will provide her puppies with the nutrition they need by nursing them until they are fully weaned and are less dependent on her to survive. During this period, puppies open their eyes for the first time, generally when they are between 10 and 14 days old. Over these crucial first weeks, puppies grow out of infancy and learn to explore and play. They will begin to socialize with each other and with other members of their household once they're physically able to do so. From interacting with their littermates to humans, the period of four to seven weeks is the ideal time to introduce your puppy to numerous people, as this helps the pup grow into an outgoing, friendly, and secure dog. Just be sure that anyone handling your young puppy knows to do so gently. Their eyes will begin to open in the second week of life, usually between 10 and 16 days of age. However, they won't be able to see clearly at first. The eyes will gradually open wider, revealing grayish-blue eyes with a hazy appearance. Puppies' eyes will continue to develop over the next several weeks, reaching full vision around eight weeks of age. Puppies' ears begin to open around the time that the eyes do, generally around 12 to 14 days old. Their hearing will continue to develop until the puppies are around five weeks old. Newborn puppies cannot fully support their weight for the first two weeks of life, so they crawl around on their bellies, paddling and pushing with their legs and building strength. Most puppies will be able to rise up on their forelimbs around 5 to 6 days of age and will begin to use their hind legs around two weeks old. They usually begin to walk with a wobbly gait around 18 to 21 days of age. Puppies need to be stimulated to urinate and defecate for the first several weeks of life. Mom does this by licking the anal and genital areas. If you are raising an orphaned pup, you can use a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball to stimulate the area. Puppies gradually develop the ability to urinate and defecate on their own around three to four weeks of age. Puppies are born without teeth. Their baby teeth, or "milk teeth" will begin to come in between three and four weeks of age and continue to develop until about eight weeks of age. Behavior Changes For newborn puppies, the first two weeks of life are all about sleeping and eating. After 14 days of age, physical changes open up a whole new world. They begin to see, hear and walk. By the age of 21 days, they begin to explore the world and learn about being dogs. This is also when the socialization process begins. Puppies learn how to interact with other dogs by interacting with their mother and littermates. Human socialization with gentle handling is important at this time as well. Around seven to eight weeks old, the first "fear period" will begin. This is a time when most puppies seem to be afraid of new things. Anything you can introduce them to before this time may help make the fear period go more smoothly. Health and Care Mom will still be taking on most of the care for her puppies until they are fully weaned between five to eight weeks of age. However, her puppies will become less and less dependent on her after three to four weeks of age. You may find that the puppies wander out of their little "nest" and try to check out more of the house. It may be best to keep mom and pups in an exercise pen when you are not home. The first few weeks of life are a time of vulnerability for the puppies. If a puppy is not growing at the same rate as its littermates, it should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. In addition, any sign of illness , no matter how subtle, should be taken seriously. Food and Nutrition For the first three weeks of life, puppies get the nutrition they need from their mother's milk. If the puppy was orphaned or needs supplemental nutrition, puppy formula can provide the necessary nutrients. After baby teeth have erupted, around three weeks old, the puppies may be ready to begin weaning. Mom may naturally begin this process as she feels those puppy teeth nipping at her teats. A good way to transition the pups to dog food is to bring out some canned puppy food or softened puppy kibble use warm formula or water to soften the kibble. Be sure to choose a dog food intended for growth. You can encourage them to eat it by offering a taste from your finger. As puppies get used to the puppy food, they will gradually nurse less and less. Most pups are fully weaned by six to eight weeks of age. Training and Socialization Puppies between one to three weeks are still too young to respond to training or socialization. Though their brains are still developing, they are capable of learning some things. Of course, it is still important for these young pups to remain with their mother and littermates until eight to twelve weeks of age. As early as three to four weeks of age, you can start to introduce the crate and start some basic potty training. Even if the pups will be getting homes between eight to twelve weeks of age, you can start laying the groundwork for training. The time between four to seven weeks of age is an early socialization window. Although the puppy must remain with its mother, it is now ready to be exposed to new sights and sounds. It should start meeting people of all ages and appearances. This includes children who know how to act around dogs and will handle the puppy gently. More from The Spruce Pets. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Videos This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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